The Laws of Giving and Receiving
Message Summary:
[Philippians 4:10-13 NKJV] 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
In today’s message, Pastor John jumped into the final section of the book of Philippians, which lays a foundation for us regarding the laws of giving and receiving. The book of Philippians, or all it offers to us in teaching, is essentially a thank-you letter because the church of Philippi had sent Paul an offering. This final passage of this letter contains the key to living and thriving – economically, financially, and materially – with joy in this world. When we really understand the revelation of giving and receiving, when we walk in it by principle, and not merely by preference, we will experience the promises of blessing found in God’s word.
We have to learn the balance between giving and receiving because both scarcity and abundance can have negative effects on our lives when out of balance. Paul learned something called contentment, regardless of the circumstances he was in. We must learn to rejoice and experience joy no matter what happens in our natural circumstances. We can rejoice in the Lord when we are suffering and experiencing hardship, just like we can rejoice when we are experiencing overflow and abundance! This can only happen if the Lord is our source of satisfaction.
Sometimes in life, we go through dry, drought, or dormant seasons. It does not mean God is not with you, but it does mean that you have to dig a well. You can’t access the surface water. But there is still water running deeper below the surface. And the question is: Are you hungry and thirsty enough to dig deep to access the water in the deep? Learning how to give, even when the environment of your life feels dry, is like digging a well to access deeper water. You are giving out of faith, knowing you will receive the river of living water God has waiting for you in the deeper places. You have to learn how to live with life’s up and down cycles. That requires contentment and faith – a contentment that allows you to rejoice in the Lord and give no matter what you are experiencing naturally, and faith to believe that God is faithful to overflow in your life in the right seasons.
Scriptures:
[Romans 15:25-28 NKJV] 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.
[2 Corinthians 8:1-7 NKJV] 1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to [their] ability, yes, and beyond [their] ability, [they were] freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not [only] as we had hoped but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and [then] to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--[see] that you abound in this grace also.
Discussion Questions:
What are the differences between giving and receiving? What is the biblical definition of each?
And yet, how do they balance one another?
Why do Christians need to practice both giving and receiving?
What are the benefits of practicing giving and receiving in the life of the believer?
Why does giving often lead to receiving in God’s economy?
Life Application:
Over the next week, as you study the key scriptures, ask yourself: What do you really believe about giving and receiving? Are you practicing giving? Are you looking for opportunities to give to others and to the Lord? Are you experiencing and receiving from the overflow of that giving? Giving and receiving is, first and foremost, a mindset. It is a principle that guides your life because it is more about obedience to God’s command to give than anything else. It is not optional and has nothing to do with preference. This week, examine your life. Spend time in prayer. Where is the Lord leading you to give and practice generosity? Where do you need to give, and where do you need to receive? Invite the Lord into this season of alignment as we learn together how to experience God’s best in the area of giving and receiving!